Researchers at Princeton University’s Chang Lab have developed an innovative sensing probe to detect copper levels in human cells, uncovering a potential therapeutic target for certain lung cancers. Their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that specific lung cancer cells exhibit elevated activity of the transcription factor NRF2, which responds to oxidative stress, coupled with reduced bioavailable copper levels. This unique cellular environment renders these cancer cells particularly susceptible to treatments involving copper chelation—a process that deprives cells of essential copper, thereby inhibiting their growth.
The team’s findings suggest that targeting copper metabolism through chelation therapy could be an effective strategy against lung cancers characterized by high NRF2 activity and disrupted copper homeostasis. By employing their histochemical, activity-based sensing probe, the researchers were able to map regions within cells where copper-dependent growth occurs, providing valuable insights into the relationship between copper levels and cancer proliferation. This approach not only enhances the understanding of copper’s role in cancer biology but also opens new avenues for developing targeted treatments that exploit the metabolic vulnerabilities of specific cancer subtypes. Click for More Details
